TONY BELLEW has been challenged to a toe-to-toe battle at Alexandra ­Palace tonight.

The Scouser meets big-punching Edison Miranda with the WBC ­International belt on the line.

Miranda, 31, who has stopped 17 of his opponents, wants a good old-fashioned scrap.

The Colombian, who has won 35 of his 42 fights, has written off­ British light-heavyweight champion Bellew’s chances.

He said: “I do not consider Tony Bellew a big, powerful hitter. I ­challenge him to go toe-to-toe with me in the middle of the ring.

“Then he will know what it is like to be hit by a real man. I know what he is like and I know just how powerful I am.”

But the bravado of Miranda may not reflect his ring abilities these days as he is no longer the force he was a few years ago.

Six years ago he broke Arthur Abraham’s jaw, ­despite losing, and also stopped London hardman Howard Eastman.

Even with those days gone now, Bellew says he will not underestimate his former middleweight opponent ­tonight.

Bellew, 29, with a record of 17 wins and one loss, said: ­“Miranda is the most dangerous opponent of my ­career.

“I am not saying he’s the best, but he’s the most dangerous. He can end a fight with shots from ­either hand and I’ve got to take him seriously.”

Bellew believes he still has the class to overcome his opponent.

He said: “I think he can be a one-dimensional fighter. But he has fought some great names and knocked out some great names. He’s still a dangerous puncher, even though he may have dipped a bit.

“But I always remember that ­people have said over the years that the last thing a fighter loses is his punching ability.

“I’ve been studying Edison ­Miranda since the day I turned pro. The guy has got an unreal right-hand knockout punch. And he’s clever, the way he goes about it. He is very structured about the way he ­attacks. He’s even sly, the way he does it, and pulls you into a false sense of security.

“I don’t think he will have faced someone who has studied him like I have and I am ready for whatever happens. I intend to make this ­another victory night for me.”

PREDICTION: Miranda will be a tough nut to crack but I’m taking Bomber Bellew to win around the sixth.